FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lauren Rooney House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: lrooney@pahouse.net	State Rep. Tim Solobay D-Washington www.pahouse.com/solobay
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House passes Solobay bill adding 'Pennsylvania' to state flag

Would be first change to state flag in 100 years

HARRISBURG, June 11 – By a vote of 164-31, the state House today passed Rep. Tim Solobay’s legislation that would add the name “Pennsylvania” to the state flag.

The legislation (H.B. 179) would call for the word “Pennsylvania” to be embroidered in gold above the state’s coat of arms on newly manufactured Pennsylvania flags. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“State flags are a way to celebrate our heritage and what makes us unique from other states,” said Solobay, D-Washington. “They serve as a rallying point and show our love of the place we call home. By adding ‘Pennsylvania’ to our state flag, we would ensure that everyone who sees it knows that the banner of blue and gold represents this great Commonwealth.”

The design for Pennsylvania’s flag was originally adopted by the General Assembly in 1799. The last time it was modified was 1907, when a law was passed that mandated that the blue field that holds the coat of arms should be the same blue as used on the U.S. flag.

Solobay’s legislation would not require the replacement of all state flags. The updated design would be phased in gradually as new flags are made.

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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Solobay is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA48 (7-2-4-8) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.